Petition drive aims to overturn Lynnwood fireworks ban

By:
John Knicely

Updated: Jul 4, 2014 - 12:11 PM

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Petition drive aims to overturn Lynnwood fireworks ban

LYNNWOOD, Wash. - Fireworks are legal in Lynwood until 11 p.m. on this Fourth of July. The City Council voted 4-3 to ban fireworks and fireworks sales, but now a former council member is leading an effort to let voters overturn the ban.

Ted Hikel sites a $20,000 study the city paid for when he was on the council in 2008.

“Seventy-five percent of the people did not want the ban,” said Hikel. “So that cooled the issue right then and there.”

Hikel's petition drive needs 2,700 signatures from registered Lynwood voters to get it on the November ballot. The petition has support from groups like The Image Church, which sells fireworks as a fundraiser bringing in $6,000-$7,000.

“All the funds from our stands go to our kids ministry and youth ministry, specifically for the camps,” said Robert Philimonchuch, The Image Church youth pastor. “It’s to send kids who maybe can't afford full price.”

KIRO 7 spoke with several Lynnwood residents who want a fireworks ban, but for whatever reason none of them wanted to go on the record. One resident said he wants the legislators to legislate so he doesn't want their vote and ban overturned.

“I understand the danger with having them sold in the city because they'll be lit off here,” said Lynnwood resident Mark Lamb who wants the ban overturned. “But I have a 7-year-old daughter at home and she'd far rather light a couple of sparklers than go to a big show.”

KIRO 7 asked Hikel his thoughts when he hears that many firefighters dread dealing with the fireworks injuries.

“It's a very valid argument,” said Hikel. “And we are very much concerned about the use of illegal fireworks in the city. We are for the state approved fireworks and we caution it needs adult supervision of children.”